ome 75% of the work of St. Neots and District branch of the Cat Protection League is in and around Gamlingay. They are at present managing and feeding in excess of 130 feral cats, more than all the rest of their territory put together.
Because Gamlingay remains essentially a rural community, feral colonies do not always come to light until they are out of control. The League's programme of free or low cost neutering/spaying, including domestic cats, is essential as un-neutered animals travel over a square mile and it is easy to see how things can escalate. Volunteers will be actively working in the village several times a week for several months and can arrange collection of cats that need to be neutered. They will be returned the following day.
A single case illustrates the scale of the problem. The League has been called to a property where there are in excess of 60 cats, some neutered or spayed but many that are not. This is not a case of cruelty, simply a well-meaning person who can no longer cope with so many animals. The cats range in ages from 12 weeks up to very old. The owner attempts to feed them all and on the whole they are in good condition, although several cases of cat 'flu are being treated and surgery to deal with the damaged eye of one has been done. This injury was almost certainly caused by fighting, common among un-neutered toms. Blood tests have so far come back negative for major diseases which is promising. The property is fairly isolated which helps to contain the problem so as not to infect the domestic population.
Left uncontrolled a breeding pair of cats can have 2 litters a year so the prospects here are disastrous unless we manage the colony.
If we manage this colony properly, home the homeable and re-locate some of the ferals, the remaining cats will stay at the property where we will ensure they have warm, dry shelter and are fed so they will be fairly happy, but most importantly there will be no more kittens. The ongoing operation to rescue and treat all the animals is expected to take 3 months during which we may see the birth of more kittens and the feeding program will remain in place as long as the cats are there.
We are desperately in need of cat food as we will now be feeding in excess of 200 feral, stray and outside cats this winter. We will need loving new homes for many young cats that are handleable and some older ones as well. There are many black and white cats, several ginger boys, quite a few tortoishell girls, 2 huge black toms and 1/2 dozen unusual bluey ones with white faces, and lots of tabbys. Also, anybody with stables, a farm or smallholding could adopt 2 or 3 of the feral animals (neutered). The cost to the branch for this case alone will be £3000 - £5000. All donations of cat food, cat beds, cat carriers, cash or goods can be taken to our charity shop in Cross Keys Mall, St Neots. Large amounts of cat food can be collected. Contact telephone numbers are 01480 476696, 07900 257061, and 07966 282005
e are delighted to be able to tell you that Alan Dixon, of Hatley, has been awarded the MBE. The citation reads as follows:
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) has been awarded to Alan John Dixon in recognition of his work as the Equipment Support Manager for two Light Armoured vehicles over the last 7 years. The successful operational use of these vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan has been due to his commitment and professional skills, delivering to front line troops, vehicles with unprecedented improvements.
Alan’s manager in a personal letter stated: ‘I want to personally thank you for the incredible help you gave in delivering what were undoubtedly life saving Urgent Operational Requirements’.
Alan Dixon was born in 1950 in Hatley. He went to Hatley School and then on to Gamlingay Village College where he became the first Head Boy.
He then attended the REME Boys Training School in Carlisle for three years. He was initially stationed in Germany and completed three tours in Ireland.
After 25 years he became a civil servant at Andover and as a result of outstanding service to the forces has been awarded the MBE.
The Gazette team offer our congratulations to Alan.
